Discover a distinctive historical medal associated with British India during the reign of Queen Victoria. Dating broadly to the late 19th century, this piece reflects the ceremonial and commemorative traditions of the Victorian era, when royal imagery and civic symbolism featured prominently on presentation medals and institutional awards.
The obverse features the crowned bust of Queen Victoria with the title “Empress of India,” a designation adopted after the Royal Titles Act of 1876 and formally proclaimed in India in 1877. The reverse displays a civic coat of arms within a laurel wreath, combining royal representation with imagery associated with civic honour and achievement.
MEDAL DETAILS:
Region: British India
Associated Region: Bombay Presidency
Monarch: Queen Victoria
Royal Title: Empress of India
Period: Late 19th Century, as attributed
Type: Commemorative / Presentation Medal
Obverse Design: Crowned Bust of Queen Victoria
Reverse Design: Civic Coat of Arms within a Laurel Wreath
Associated Institution: Unidentified Bombay-based institution or society
Material: To be confirmed
OBVERSE:
Features the crowned portrait of Queen Victoria with the title “Empress of India,” reflecting her imperial status during the later part of her reign.
REVERSE:
Displays a civic coat of arms enclosed by a laurel wreath. The wreath traditionally symbolises honour and achievement, while the coat of arms may identify the issuing institution or civic organisation.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
Queen Victoria assumed the title Empress of India following the Royal Titles Act of 1876, with the title formally proclaimed in India in 1877. During the late Victorian period, medals were used by civic organisations, educational institutions, associations, and other bodies to mark commemorative occasions and recognise service or achievement.
Bombay, now Mumbai, was an important commercial and administrative centre in British India, with numerous institutions and societies using medals and awards for ceremonial purposes.
HISTORICAL AND COLLECTING SIGNIFICANCE:
Medals bearing Queen Victoria’s imperial title offer a connection to the ceremonial culture of British India. The combination of a royal portrait and civic heraldry makes this piece particularly interesting for collectors of Victorian memorabilia, colonial-era Indian medals, and institutional awards.
COLLECTOR’S APPEAL:
• Features Queen Victoria as Empress of India
• Associated with the Victorian period in British India
• Reportedly linked to the Bombay Presidency
• Civic coat of arms framed by a laurel wreath
• Potential interest for collectors of British Indian and institutional medals
• An intriguing historical piece for further identification and research
A distinctive medal reflecting the royal and civic symbolism of late Victorian-era British India.
